PEN CUP: HND II fulltime defeats ND II part-time 5-4 on penalties

Efosa Taiwo

HND II full-time football team on Monday triumphed over their ND II part-time 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the second match of the 2017 Pen Cup.
The ND II part-time team who resembled the Los Blancos of Real Madrid with their all-white kits, started the match like a team on fire, and had their efforts rewarded in the 26th minute, as they took the lead through Adebanjo Ademuyiwa’ volley from a rebound.
The HND II team whose goalkeeper, Israel Sodipo had save at least two attempts just before the half-hour mark, were forced to make a tactical substitution in the 29th minute.
Surprisingly, events took a major turnaround after the substitution as the HND II team who were sporting blue jerseys on the day, intensified all efforts on the pitch but failed to secure an equaliser before the end of the first-half.
The HND II radiated emphatically in the second half after they were given an high-dryer treatment by the coach, Ayoola Bamidele at half time.
One exciting moment in the second half was the introduction of the AMACOS President, Moses Ayodele. The below average number of spectators at the Kola Sorinola Sports Complex applauded the him as he was introduced into the game.
The HND II team cancelled out the lead in the 50th minutes, as Damola Ademola curled the ball home from the left side of the box after the goalkeeper had left his line, to give his side the much needed equaliser.
Immediately after the leveller, the ND two coach was compelled to make a substitution after he had observed his side’s poor display since the start of the second half.
In the 60th minute, the ND II team protested a decision of the referee to sanction the ND II goalkeeper for for throwing the ball away after the referee’s whistle. The goalkeeper claimed the ball which had hit the woodwork from a set piece did not touch his hands.
The ND II players abandoned the game for about 14 minutes before they were persuaded to continue play.
The match lacked vigour after that ugly incident as both teams struggled to find their rhythm, but however, the last 10 minutes provided some spark, as both teams strived to snatch a late winning goal but all efforts proved abortive as the referee signalled the end of the game.
The penalty shootout ended 5-4 to the advantage of the HND II team, who ultimately had their goalkeeper to extol for expertly saving the last kick of the ND II player.
The coach of the victorious team, Bamidele expressed his delight over his team’s comeback to emerge victorious against their ND part-time counterparts.
Speaking to Press Club MAPOLY after the game, Bamidele said he was happy that despite the odds against his team during the match, they were able to advance to the next round of the competition.
He also added that his team is not yet a finished product, but a work in progress, stressing that there is still room for improvement.